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The Association of Donegal Celtic Supporters Clubs held a Testimonial Weekend for the Lisbon Lions. It began on from Friday the1st of June 2007 till the Monday the 4th of June 2007. The Agenda was as below Saturday the 2nd of June Golf Classic at Ropenna Golf Club, followed by Dinner. With Rosapenna rated amongst the top courses within Ireland and indeed beyond, visitors had a challenging round on the famous links. Participating in the classic were the majority of the Lisbon Lions themselves as well as a host of former Celtic greats, such as Harry Hood, George McCluskey, Packie Bonner, Tommy Callaghan, Evan Williams and Tommy Boyd, joined by current Celtic stars fresh from a victory in the Scottish Cup the previous weekend. Celtic directors John Keane and Michael McDonald amongst other Celtic dignitaries also participated in the weekends activities. Festivities continued on Saturday evening at Rosapenna Club House with the prize ceremony, followed by an evening’s entertainment by Patricia Ferns and her band over from Glasgow, they were joined by local musicians for what was a great nights craic.
Sunday the 3rd of June The Stat Studded evening was hosted by Tony Hamilton of Celtic. A special auction of Lions and Celtic memorabilia was up for grabs on the night and a portion of the proceeds benefited a number of local charities. Under the hammer were items such as a signed original current team players shirts, autographed books, footballs etc and also specific autographed Lions memorabilia. The highlight of the auction was a framed collection of the original European Cup 1967 programs from each of the four legs and the program and match ticket for the final in Lisbon, autographed by all the remaining Lions and presented as one unique 40th Anniversary piece. These items individually have their own considerable value but when presented as a full set together with the autographs of the Lions themselves will truly be a one off and unique possession. These items have been donated to the cause by our own Chairman with their provenance guaranteed as they were collected personally by him at each of the events in question. Celtic's own European Cup replica also accompanied the players for the weekend’s festivities. The cup was available for photographs at Rosapenna Golf Club, An Grainan Hotel and for the duration of the Gala Dinner at Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny.
Monday the 4th of June To correspond with the weekends celebrations, a plaque commerating the life an contribution of Patsy Gallagher the ‘ Mighty Atom’ to the Glasgow Celtic was unveiled adjacent to the house he grew up in, in Ramelton. The unveiling took place on the morning of Monday the 4th of June by a group of the Lisbon Lions together with local Ramelton Celtic Supporters. There then was Civic Reception held by Donegal County Council and the unveiling of a plaque in memory of Patsy Gallagher from Ramelton. In attendance were the Lisbon Lions, ex-players and Directors of Celtic Football Club. Three charities in Donegal benefited from the weekend; they were Derry Hospice, Donegal Youth and Donegal NMD.
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